Thursday, August 22, 2013

Jack Layton lauded as Toronto statue unveiled

TORONTO - Jack Layton’s presence is now a fixture on Toronto’s waterfront.

The Layton statue was unveiled Thursday with great fanfare and lots of tributes to the former federal NDP leader.

Layton — who also served as a Toronto city councillor — died two years ago after a battle with cancer. His death came just months after he led the federal NDP to its largest victory in a general election and onto the official opposition benches.

The bronze statue, entitled “Jack’s got your back. Stronger Together: The Layton Memorial,” will greet visitors to Toronto’s waterfront just outside the newly renamed Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The sculpture features Layton on the back seat of a tandem bike and an empty front seat that visitors can climb on for photos.

Olivia Chow, Layton’s widow, thanked everyone for the memorial. She talked about how they bought a tandem bike as a wedding present to each other, although Layton was usually the one riding in the front.

“In this great city, in this great country, we will carry on stronger together, working for a better future and always with a smile in our hearts,” Chow said. “Thank you, Jack.”

Mayor Rob Ford — who, as a rookie councillor, sat beside Layton — was on hand for the ceremony and recalled how Layton taught him an important lesson.